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Mechanics module WCAG 2.1.1 Level A

Keyboard navigation

Make sure that every interactive element is accessible without a mouse — Tab, Enter, arrow keys, Esc.

What it does

Function in one sentence — and in three sentences

WCAG Level A mandatory criterion: Every function must be operable via the keyboard. Sounds obvious—but it's rarely the case in practice. Custom sliders, dropdown menus, lightboxes, and filter buttons are frequent stumbling blocks.

The module checks the tab functionality of all interactive elements and adds missing keyboard handlers. Additionally, Keyboard traps detected and resolved.

This is how the plugin implements it.

Technical measures

  • Tab-trap detection: detects when an element breaks the tab order (e.g., a modal without Esc closing).
  • Retrofit Enter/Space handler for `
    `-Buttons with `role="button"`.
  • Arrow navigation in tab lists, radio groups, menus.
  • Esc handler for modals, tooltips, and off-canvas menus.
  • Focus trap in the modalTab remains in the open dialog, it does not jump to the background.
In the plugin backend

You can find these settings in the module tab.

  • Global Toggle
  • Auto-handler for `role="button"` (Enter + Space)
  • Focus trap in modals: off / only explicitly marked modals / all modals
  • Esc listener depth: top modal only / all open modals
  • Custom keyboard shortcuts per element (via `data-sp-key`)

Path in Admin: WP-Admin → Accessibility → Modules → Keyboard Navigation

When do you need the module?

Use case

Mandatory module. Keyboard accessibility is a WCAG requirement at the lowest conformance level (A) — without this criterion no WCAG compliance, no matter how beautiful the rest of the page is.

Related modules

That fits together thematically.

  • Tabindex Manager

    WCAG 2.4.3

    Repairs the tab order, eliminates positive `tabindex` values, and fixes faulty jumps.

  • Visible focus

    WCAG 2.4.11

    Provides a strong, always visible focus ring on all focusable elements — with AAA contrast.

  • ARIA Manager

    WCAG 4.1.2

    Automatically assigns correct ARIA roles, states, and properties to interactive elements.

Activate the module for your site?

In the initial 15-minute consultation, we will clarify whether the module is relevant for your theme and content type — and what the setup looks like.

15-minute initial consultation
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